Selected animal and plant protein sources affect nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics of ileally cannulated dogs.

The objective of this study was to compare ileal and total tract nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics of dogs fed selected animal and plant protein sources incorporated into grain-based diets. Four crude protein sources--soybean meal (SBM), poultry meal (PM), poultry by-product meal (PBPM), and beef and bone meal (BBM)--were fed to four ileal cannulated dogs in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and fat by dogs were similar. Total dietary fiber (TDF) intake was highest for the SBM treatment compared to other treatments. Ileal digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, fat, and TDF were not affected by treatment. Total tract digestibility of DM was lower for the BBM and SBM diets, while OM digestibility was lower for the SBM treatment only. Total tract CP digestibility was similar for BBM, PBPM, and SBM treatments and was higher for the PM treatment. As-is fecal excretion [g/d] was greater when dogs received the SBM treatment. Fecal output on a DM basis was higher for the SBM treatment compared to the other treatments. All diets were well utilized by the dogs as assessed by ileal and total tract digestibility data and fecal characteristics.     

Dietary galactooligosaccharides affect ileal and total-tract nutrient digestibility, ileal and fecal bacterial concentrations, and ileal fermentative characteristics of growing pigs

The objective of this study was to evaluate dietary galactooligosaccharide (Gal OS) addition on swine nutrient digestibility, ileal and fecal bacterial populations, and ileal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and to determine their impact on ileal fermentative characteristics in vitro. Twelve T-cannulated pigs (BW = 25 kg) were fed a diet free of Gal OS for 21 d. On d 22, ileal digesta samples were collected for an in vitro fermentation experiment (Exp. 1). Substrates included: raffinose/stachyose combination (R + S), soy solubles (SS), and transgalactooligosaccharides (TOS). Also included were the non-OS components of SS and TOS. Nine pigs (three donors per treatment) served as ileal effluent donors. Each substrate was fermented in vitro for 6 h, and pH and SCFA and gas production were determined. Pigs then were allotted to three treatments: a Gal OS-free control diet and the control diet with either 3.5% added Gal OS from SS or TOS. Diets, feces, and digesta samples collected weekly for 6 wk on d 6 (feces) and 7 (digesta) were analyzed for DM, OM, CP, and chromic oxide concentrations. Feces and ileal digesta were analyzed for bifidobacteria and lactobacilli populations. Ileal digesta samples were analyzed for SCFA. On d 64, a second in vitro fermentation experiment (Exp. 2) was conducted using ileal effluent from three pigs per treatment and the same substrates used in Exp. 1. In vivo results showed that ileal and total tract DM and OM digestion were decreased (P < 0.05) by addition of both SS and TOS to the diet. Ileal and total-tract N digestibilities were decreased (P < 0.05) by dietary addition of SS. Fecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli were increased (P < 0.05) by addition of SS and TOS to the diet. Ileal propionate and butyrate concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed diets containing both sources of Gal OS. In vitro results showed that fermentation data were not affected by donor animal adaptation to treatment. For both in vitro experiments, gas and SCFA production were higher (P < 0.05) for R + S than for SS or TOS. Fermentation of R + S resulted in a higher pH (P < 0.05) than did SS or TOS. Fermentation of non-OS components of SS and TOS resulted in more (P < 0.05) gas and SCFA production, and pH values that did not differ (P > 0.05) compared to SS and TOS. The Gal OS used in this study were prebiotics, increasing beneficial bacteria in vivo and SCFA concentrations both in vivo and in vitro.     

Ileal and total tract nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics of dogs as affected by soybean protein inclusion in dry, extruded diets

Plant-based protein sources are generally less variable in chemical composition than animal-based protein sources. However, relatively few data are available on the nutrient digestibilities of plant-based protein sources by companion animals. The effects of including selected soybean protein sources in dog diets on nutrient digestion at the ileum and in the total tract, as well as on fecal characteristics, were evaluated. Six protein sources were used: soybean meal (SBM), Soyafluff 200W (soy flour), Profine F (traditional aqueous-alcohol extracted soy protein concentrate [SPC 1]), Profine E (extruded SPC [SPC 2]), Soyarich I (modified molecular weight SPC [SPC 3]), and poultry meal (PM). All diets were extruded and kibbled. Test ingredients varied in CP and fat contents; however, diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Nutrient intakes were similar, except for total dietary fiber (TDF), which was lower (P < 0.01) for dogs fed the PM diet. Apparent ileal digestibilities of DM, OM, fat, and TDF were not different among treatments; however, CP digestibility at the terminal ileum was higher (P < 0.01) for diets containing soy protein sources than for PM. Total tract CP digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) for soy protein-containing diets than for PM. Apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, OM, fat, and TDF were not different among treatments. Apparent amino acid digestibilities at the terminal ileum, excluding methionine, threonine, alanine, and glycine, were higher (P < 0.01) for soy protein-containing diets than for PM. Dogs fed SPC diets had lower (P < 0.01) fecal outputs (g asis feces/g DMI) than dogs fed the SF diet, and dogs fed SBM tended (P < 0.11) to have lower fecal outputs than dogs fed the SF diet. However, dogs fed the PM diet had lower (P < 0.03) fecal outputs than dogs fed SPC-containing diets. Fecal outputs and scores reflected the TDF and nonstructural carbohydrate contents of the soy protein fraction. Soy protein sources are well utilized by the dog prior to the terminal ileum, and SPC offers a viable alternative to PM as a protein source in dry, extruded canine diets.     

Digestibility,fecal characteristics,and plasma glucose and urea in dogs fed a commercial dog food once or three times daily

Digestibility, fecal characteristics, and levels of glucose and urea in the plasma were determined in 8 dogs that received 2 different dog foods once or 3 times daily. One dog food (A) was 5 times more expensive than the other (B). Fecal pH and consistency, digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) were determined. Blood samples were taken from 30 min before to 60 min after a meal. Digestibilities of DM, OM, and CP, and fecal consistency were higher, and daily fecal excretion and fecal pH were lower when dogs were fed food A (P < 0.001). The feeding schedule had no effect on plasma glucose and urea. Neither feeding frequency nor food × frequency interactions was significant for the parameters studied.     

Effect of fumaric acid and dietary buffering capacity on ileal and fecal amino acid digestibilities in early-weaned pigs

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of fumaric acid supplementation and buffering capacity of the diet on ileal and fecal digestibilities of CP, GE, and amino acids in early-weaned pigs. In two experiments, 12 pigs each were weaned at 14 d of age and fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum between 15 and 17 d of age. In both experiments, the pigs were fed four diets, based on wheat and soybean meal without (control) or with 1, 2, or 3% fumaric acid according to a balanced two-period change-over design. In Exp. 2, the buffering capacity of the diets was increased by supplementation of 3% sodium bicarbonate. The pigs were fed three times daily: equal amounts at 8-h intervals. The diets were supplied at a rate of 5% (wt/wt) of body weight. The inclusion of fumaric acid to the diet with a low buffering capacity increased (P < .05) the ileal digestibilities of CP, GE, and the majority of amino acids. The highest responses were found at an inclusion level of 2% fumaric acid. The improvements in apparent ileal amino acid digestibilities ranged from 4.9 to 12.8 percentage units. Supplementation of fumaric acid to a diet with a high buffering capacity led only to numerical increases in ileal digestibilities of CP, GE, and amino acids. In both studies, fumaric acid supplementation had no effect (P > .05) on the fecal digestibilities of CP, GE, and amino acids, except histidine. A high buffering capacity of the diet decreased the ileal amino acid digestibilities by 1 to 10 percentage units compared with diets with the low buffering capacities. In both experiments, ileal and fecal digestibilities were higher (P < .05) in Period 2 (on d 24 after weaning) than in Period 1 (on d 11 after weaning). A positive correlation (P < .05) between ileal digestibilities and fumaric acid supplementation to the diets with the low buffering capacities was observed in Period 1 (on d 11 after weaning), but not in Period 2 (on d 24 after weaning). No relationship (P > .05) between ileal digestibilities and fumaric acid supplementation to the diets with a high buffering capacity could be established. In conclusion, supplementation of fumaric acid to starter diets during the first 3 to 4 wk after weaning increases the ileal digestibilities of GE, CP, and amino acids.     

Effect of extrusion on the ileal and fecal digestibilities of lysine in yellow corn in diets for young pigs

Forty crossbred barrows (initial avg BW of 20 kg) were fitted with T-cannulas to determine the effects of extrusion of yellow corn on lysine digestibility. A basal corn-cornstarch-soybean meal diet was formulated to contain .55% lysine. Extruded corn (EC), non-extruded corn (C) and L-Lysine-HCl (LLH) replaced cornstarch in the basal diet to provide total dietary lysine levels of .60, .65 and .70% lysine for each lysine source. Diet intake was 5.5% of BW. Treatments were arranged as a 3 x 3 factorial with the basal diet as an extra dietary treatment. Apparent ileal digestibilities of lysine, threonine, methionine and isoleucine were greater (P less than .05) for diets with added LLH than for diets containing EC or C, which were similar (P greater than .05). Apparent ileal and fecal digestibilities and retention of nitrogen (N) as a percentage of N absorbed or consumed were greater (P less than .05) for diets containing LLH than for those containing EC or C, which were not different (P greater than .05). Plasma urea N levels were also lower (P less than .05) for pigs fed diets containing LLH than for pigs fed EC or C. Fecal DE and ME as a percentage of GE were greater (P less than .05) in diets containing EC than in those containing C. In summary, extrusion improved (P less than .05) energy utilization but did not affect the utilization of lysine or N in corn by pigs. However, lysine and N utilization were greater (P less than .05) in diets supplemented with LLH compared with EC or C.     

Effect of extrusion on the ileal and fecal digestibilities of lysine, nitrogen, and energy in diets for young pigs.

Forty crossbred barrows (initial average BW of 20 kg) were fitted with T-cannulas in the distal ileum to determine the effects of extrusion of soybean meal on the apparent ileal and fecal digestibilities of lysine, N, and GE. A basal corn-soybean meal diet was formulated to contain .525% lysine. Nonextruded soybean meal (SM), extruded soybean meal (ESM), and L-lysine.HCl (LLH) replaced cornstarch in the basal diet to make diets containing .60, .675, and .75% total dietary lysine for each lysine source. Treatments were arranged as a 3 x 3 factorial with the basal diet as an additional treatment. Ileal and fecal digestibilities of lysine were not affected (P greater than .05) by source of lysine. However, linear increases (P less than .05) occurred in ileal lysine digestibilities with increasing concentrations of dietary lysine provided as LLH, but not when lysine was provided as SM or ESM. Apparent ileal and fecal retention of N as percentages of N absorbed or consumed were greater (P less than .05) for diets containing LLH than for diets containing SM, and diets containing ESM were intermediate. Linear increases (P less than .05) occurred in ileal and fecal N retained as percentages of N absorbed or consumed with increasing concentration of dietary lysine provided as LLH or ESM, but not when provided as SM. Fecal DE and ME (kilocalories per gram of diet) for diets containing LLH and ESM were similar and greater (P less than .05) than the values obtained for diets containing SM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The influence of soy oligosaccharides on apparent and true ileal amino acid digestibilities and fecal consistency in growing pigs

Fourteen ileally cannulated pigs (BW = 35 +/- 2 kg) were randomly allotted to a replicated 7 x 7 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the influence of the soybean oligosaccharides (OS), raffinose and stachyose, on ileal nutrient digestibility and fecal consistency. Semipurified diets containing soy protein concentrate (SPC) or soybean meal (SBM) as the sole protein sources were fed. Soy solubles (SS), a by-product of SBM processing containing 3.5% raffinose and 11.5% stachyose, were used to increase dietary raffinose and stachyose concentrations. The seven dietary treatments were SPC, SPC + 9% SS, SBM, SBM + 9% SS, SBM + 18% SS, SBM + 24,000 U alpha-galactosidase enzyme preparation/kg diet, and a low-protein casein (LPC) diet used to calculate true digestibility. Diets, with the exception of the LPC diet, were formulated to contain 17% CP. All diets contained 0.5% chromic oxide as a marker for ileal digestibility determination. The experimental periods were divided into a 5-d diet adaptation followed by 2-d of ileal digesta collection. Diets and digesta were analyzed for DM, N, Cr, amino acids (AA), raffinose, and stachyose. Fecal consistency was determined on d 6 and 7 of each experimental period. The apparent and true ileal AA digestibilities were not different (P < 0.05) for the SPC and SBM control diets. When SS was added to the SPC diet, apparent and true N and AA digestibilities were depressed (P < 0.05) with the exception of Trp and Pro. The apparent and true ileal N and AA digestibilities were not different (P > 0.05) between the SBM control and SBM + 9% SS diets with the exception of Glu. There was a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in apparent and true DM, Val, Gly, and Tyr digestibilities when increasing levels of SS were added to the SBM diet. The addition of alpha-galactosidase did not improve apparent or true ileal N or AA digestibilities except for apparent and true Val and Tyr. Ileal raffinose digestibility was improved (P < 0.05) by addition of a-galactosidase, but was not affected by any other dietary treatment. Ileal stachyose digestibility was not affected (P > 0.58) by treatment. Fecal consistency likewise was not affected (P > 0.36) by dietary treatment. In conclusion, soy OS reduced nutrient digestibilities, but the reductions were small, ranging from approximately 1.1 to 7.4 percentage units. This suggests that other factors may be negatively impacting SBM digestibility.     

Trainers and chokers. How dog trainers affect behavior problems in dogs

Veterinarians will benefit from carefully selecting a dog trainer to assist clients. Poorly qualified and poorly selected dog trainers can increase problems for the practitioner. Methods of assessing a dog trainer's skills and value to the practitioner are outlined.     

Diet and dog characteristics affect major and trace elements in hair and blood of healthy dogs

Veterinary Research Communications - Obtaining correct amounts of essential elements, and avoiding toxic metals are key factors in dog health. Through analyzing major and trace elements in hair and...     

Food intake and ingredient profile affect viscosity of ileal digesta of dogs

Two experiments were conducted to determine dietary factors affecting digesta viscosity. In experiment 1, six ileal-cannulated dogs were either full (607.1 kJ/BW0.67) or restricted (303.5 kJ/BW0.67) fed. In experiment 2, four dog foods were surveyed for effects on digesta viscosity based on protein source [animal protein (AP) or plant protein (PP)] or dietary fibre source [soluble dietary fibre (SDF) or insoluble dietary fibre (IDF)]. Dry matter (DM) intake was higher (p<0.05) when dogs were full (11.4 g/kg) compared with restricted fed (5.98 g/kg). Ileal digesta viscosity tended to be higher (p=0.07) for full fed [10,251 centipoise (cP)] compared with restricted-fed dogs (6677 cP). Ileal digesta viscosities were 6561, 11,074, 13,830 and 15,967 cP for dogs consuming IDF, SDF, AP and PP treatments respectively. Ileal DM concentrations were 11.4%, 13.6%, 14.8% and 14.8% for SDF, IDF, AP and PP treatments respectively. DM digestibility coefficients were lowest (71.2%) for the PP treatment and highest (88.7%) for the IDF treatment. Organic matter digestibilities followed a similar pattern. Ileal digesta viscosity of dogs appears to increase with increased diet intake, and increased ileal DM concentration. More digestible diets result in less ileal DM and lower viscosity constants.     

Effects of supplemental fructooligosaccharides plus mannanoligosaccharides on immune function and ileal and fecal microbial populations in adult dogs.

The goal of this study was to examine whether supplemental fructooligosaccharides (FOS) plus mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) influenced immune function and ileal and fecal microbial populations of adult dogs. Eight adult dogs surgically fitted with ileal cannulas were used in a crossover design. Dogs were fed 200 g of a dry, extruded, kibble diet twice daily. At each feeding, dogs were dosed with either 1 g sucrose (placebo) or 2 g FOS plus 1 g MOS orally via gelatin capsule. Fecal, ileal, and blood samples were collected at the end of each 14-d period to measure microbial populations and immune characteristics. Treatment least squares means were compared using the GLM procedure of SAS. Supplementation of FOS plus MOS increased fecal bifidobacteria and fecal and ileal lactobacilli concentrations. Dogs fed FOS plus MOS also tended to have lower blood neutrophils and greater blood lymphocytes vs placebo. Serum, fecal, and ileal immunoglobulin concentrations were unchanged by treatment. Supplementation of FOS plus MOS beneficially altered indices of gut health by improving ileal and fecal microbial ecology. Supplementation of FOS plus MOS also altered immune function by causing a shift in blood immune cells.     

Associations between dietary factors in canned food and formation of calcium oxalate uroliths in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To identify dietary factors in commercially available canned foods associated with the development of calcium oxalate (CaOx) uroliths in dogs. ANIMALS: 117 dogs with CaOx uroliths and 174 dogs without urinary tract disease. PROCEDURE: Case dogs were those that developed CaOx uroliths submitted to the Minnesota Urolith Center for quantitative analysis between 1990 and 1992 while fed a commercially available canned diet. Control dogs were those without urinary tract disease evaluated at the same veterinary hospital just prior to or immediately after each case dog. A content-validated multiple-choice questionnaire was mailed to each owner of case and control dogs with the permission of the primary care veterinarian. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions for each dietary component were performed to test the hypothesis that a given factor was associated with CaOx urolith formation. RESULTS: Canned foods with the highest amount of protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, or moisture were associated with a decreased risk of CaOx urolith formation, compared with diets with the lowest amounts. In contrast, canned diets with the highest amount of carbohydrate were associated with an increased risk of CaOx urolith formation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Feeding canned diets formulated to contain high amounts of protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and moisture and a low amount of carbohydrate may minimize the risk of CaOx urolith formation in dogs.     

Effect of graded levels of dietary betaine on ileal and total tract nutrient digestibilities and intestinal bacterial metabolites in piglets*

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of graded dietary inclusion levels of betaine on ileal and total tract nutrient digestibilities and intestinal bacterial metabolites in piglets. A total of eight barrows with an average initial body weight of 7.9 kg were randomly allocated to one of the four assay diets with two pigs per treatment in four repeated measurement periods. The assay diets included a basal diet based on wheat, barley and soybean meal alone, or supplemented with a liquid betaine product at dietary levels of 1.5, 3.0, or 6.0 g betaine per kilogram diet (as‐fed). Ileal digestibilities of dry matter and neutral detergent fibre increased both quadratically and linearly, and ileal digestibility of glycine increased linearly as dietary betaine level increased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, total tract digestibility of crude protein increased quadratically (p < 0.05) and total tract digestibilities of most amino acids tended to increase quadratically (p = 0.06 to p = 0.11) with increasing dietary betaine level. Moreover, there were linear increases in the concentrations of most bacterial metabolites which were significant p < 0.05 for ileal d ‐lactic acid and for faecal diaminopimelic acid. The results demonstrate that dietary betaine supplementation stimulates bacterial fermentation of fibre in the small intestine and bacterial degradation of crude protein in the large intestine.     

Aflatoxicosis in nine dogs after exposure to contaminated commercial dog food.

The purpose of this study was to characterize light and electron microscopic findings from 9 dogs that had consumed aflatoxin-contaminated commercial dog food from recalled batches. Four dogs died and 5 were euthanized after signs of liver failure. Analysis of feed and liver samples confirmed exposure to aflatoxin. Of the 9 dogs, 8 had classic signs of liver failure, and 1 had signs of liver failure. Enlarged, pale yellow livers were seen macroscopically at necropsy in the dogs with subacute hepatopathy, and cirrhosis was noted in the dog with chronic hepatopathy. Histopathologic findings included hepatic lipidosis, portal fibroplasia, and biliary hyperplasia, which supported a diagnosis of subacute toxic hepatopathy in the 8 symptomatic animals. Marked lobular atrophy, bridging portal fibrosis, and regenerative hepatocellular nodules characterized the dog with chronic hepatopathy. Electron microscopy revealed marked hepatocellular lipid vacuolation and early fibroplasia in the dogs with acute hepatopathy and marked fibrosis and regeneration in the dog with chronic hepatopathy. Analysis of feed for aflatoxin consistently revealed high levels of aflatoxin B1 (range of 223-579 ppb), and hepatic tissue contained elevated levels of aflatoxin B1 metabolite M1 (0.6-4.4 ppb). Although dogs are not commonly affected by aflatoxicosis, they are highly susceptible and can present with classic signs of acute or chronic hepatopathy. Characteristic gross, histologic, and electron microscopic changes help pathologists determine a presumptive toxic insult. Detecting aflatoxins or their metabolites in feed or liver specimens can help confirm the diagnosis of aflatoxicosis.     

Effects of extrusion of flaxseed on ruminal and postruminal nutrient digestibilities.

A study was conducted to determine the effects of extrusion on ruminal, post-ruminal and whole tract digestibility of flaxseed. Extrusion was performed at 155 degrees C with a residence time of 43 s. Two non-lactating Holstein cows fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a randomized complete block design. Results showed that extruded flaxseed had higher (P < 0.05) in situ soluble and lower (P < 0.05) slowly degradable DM and CP fractions than unheated flaxseed. Extrusion increased (P < 0.05) ruminal DM and CP degradability of flaxseed by 7 and 13%, respectively. Ruminal undegraded DM, CP and NDF were all lower (P < 0.05) for extruded flaxseed than for unheated flaxseed. Extrusion increased (P < 0.05) ruminal degradability and reduced (P < 0.05) post-ruminal availability of most amino acids of flaxseed. Whole tract digestibility of DM, CP, NDF and amino acids were higher (P < 0.05) for extruded than for unheated flaxseed. It was concluded that extrusion under the conditions used in the present experiment increases ruminal and whole tract nutrient degradabilities of flaxseed and therefore was ineffective in increasing the post-ruminal supply of amino acids from flaxseed.     

The effect of texturized vegetable protein from soy on nutrient digestibility compared to beef in cannulated dogs

Texturized vegetable protein from soy (TVP) is widely used in canned dog foods, but its nutritional value remains in doubt. This study compared apparent prececal and total intestinal digestibility when four canned diets containing reciprocal proportions of protein from TVP (0 to 57%) and from beef (100 to 43%) were fed to eight cannulated dogs. As dietary TVP increased, the following linear changes were observed (P < 0.05): prececal and total intestinal protein digestibility decreased slightly from 77 to 71% and 86 to 80%, respectively; prececal amino acid digestibility decreased in parallel with protein; prececal carbohydrate digestibility decreased markedly from 80% to 62% and carbohydrate disappearance in the large intestine increased from 8 to 22%; prececal sodium digestibility decreased markedly (from 37 to 4%); and prececal potassium digestibility decreased (from 93 to 85%). Total intestinal digestibility of sodium and potassium decreased little (from 97 to 95% and from 98 to 97%, respectively); fecal mass and water content increased markedly (from 98 to 174 g/d and from 61 to 72%, respectively); and fat digestibility was unaffected. Prececal phosphorus digestibility from two diets containing TVP was lower than that from the all-beef diet (13 and 17%, vs 26%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, TVP is a useful source of protein in canine canned diets because amino acids from TVP are almost as digestible as those from beef in the canine intestine. Nevertheless, soy carbohydrate is poorly digested and large amounts of TVP inhibit small intestinal electrolyte digestibility and increase fecal water content.     

Short-term effect of dietary yeast nucleotide supplementation on small intestinal enzyme activities, bacterial populations and metabolites and ileal nutrient digestibilities in newly weaned pigs

In previous studies, dietary nucleotides have been shown to improve performance in single-stomached animals by promoting the renewal of small intestine epithelial cells and by influencing the activity and composition of the microbial community in the digestive tract. The present experiment was carried out with 12 barrows weaned at the age of 18 days and fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum. To determine short-term effects of dietary yeast nucleotides, the piglets received a grain-soybean meal-based basal diet with or without supplementation of 1 g/kg of a dried yeast product containing free nucleotides. Dietary supplementation with yeast did not affect bacterial numbers in the ileum as well as ileal concentrations of individual short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), total SCFA and total lactic acid (p > 0.05). Moreover, there was no effect of supplemental yeast nucleotides on ileal α-amylase, leucine amino peptidase, maltase and lactase activities (p > 0.05), as well as on ileal dry matter, crude protein and crude fibre digestibilities (p > 0.05). In conclusion, short-term supplementation with dietary yeast nucleotides did not affect microbial metabolite concentrations, bacterial numbers and enzyme activities in the ileal digesta as well as ileal nutrient digestibilities of newly weaned pigs.     

Effect of dry, soft moist, and canned dog foods on postprandial blood glucose and insulin concentrations in healthy dogs

The effect of dry, soft moist, and canned dog foods on immediate postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentrations was evaluated in clinically normal dogs. Dogs were fed either dry (10 dogs; group I), soft moist (10 dogs; group II), or canned (8 dogs; group III) dog food for 5 consecutive days. On the fifth day, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were determined in each dog prior to, during, and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after ingestion of the food. The alterations in plasma glucose concentrations were not significantly different from prefeeding values until 240 and 180 minutes after feeding for groups I and III, respectively. In contrast, the increments in plasma glucose were significantly (P less than 0.01) increased from basal concentrations at 30 and 45 minutes after feeding in group-II dogs. The maximal mean postprandial plasma glucose concentration was significantly (P less than 0.0001) less for group III, compared with concentrations for groups I and II, but there was no significant difference between concentrations for groups I and II. Although a biphasic insulin secretory response was found in all 3 groups of dogs, the patterns of phase-2 insulin secretion and the total amount of insulin secreted during the study were significantly different. There was a rapid increase in the plasma insulin concentration immediately after phase 1 in group II, with maximal plasma insulin concentrations occurring 30 minutes after feeding, followed by a gradual decrease in concentrations throughout the remainder of the study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Correlation of periovulatory serum and fecal progestins in the domestic dog.

This study was initiated to determine the relationship between canine ovarian steroids detected in serum and feces during the periovulatory interval in domestic dogs, and to examine the feasibility of a non-invasive method to estimate the time of ovulation in canid species. When bitches (n = 14) were observed to enter proestrus (based on vulvar enlargement or serosanguineous vaginal discharge), paired daily serum and fecal samples were collected for a 15- to 20-day period and stored at -20 degrees C. After extraction, progestin concentrations in both substrates were measured using an established enzyme immunoassay procedure. All samples were aligned to Day 0, the first day in which fecal progestins reached a sustained rise above 100 ng/g feces. Mean fecal progestin concentrations increased in parallel with mean serum progesterone values (r = 0.78), rising from 44.6+/-2.6 ng/g feces to 409.6+/-90.9 ng/g feces, and 5.4+/-0.9 nmol/L to 81.2+/-18.5 nmol/L, on Day -5 and Day 5, respectively. Individual fecal progestin concentrations varied markedly, but plotted against serum progesterone concentrations demonstrated correlation coefficients ranging from 0.41 to 0.97 (P<0.05). These results demonstrate that sequential changes in domestic dog serum ovarian steroid concentrations are paralleled in the feces, and that it is feasible to non-invasively monitor individual progestin changes in the periovulatory interval using fecal hormone analysis.